• "It's the the celebration of our freedom. The Fourth of July just reminds me of how lucky I am to be an American." -- Michael Jose Zakany, operator of the "Jose Madrid Salsa" booth at the downtown Muskegon Art Fair on Saturday.

• "It reminds me of those that fallen for my country and the pride that I feel to be an American." -- Theresa Vanderstelt of Muskegon.

• "It means freedom and pride," -- Hannah Hazewinkel of Mason.

• "Well, I think, it means to be in the U.S.A. and we're celebrating the U.S. and the Flag and what it means. I'm wearing a red, white and blue (tank top) just like the flag." 9-year-old Kiera Black of Muskegon.

Black

• "The Fourth of July is generally not celebrated by Native people. I can't speak for all native people, but for me it's kind of a sad day. It's a reminder of how they raped and stole our country. For us, the Fourth is a day of mourning." -- Michelle Rivera, of New Mexico, who was partipating in the downtown Art Fair.

• "It's a time for celebrating, hanging out with family and remembering our loved ones in the service." Zina Knight of Muskegon, who was attending the Art Fair with several family members.